Helena's Hawaiian Foods Restaurant Review

: Founding chef Helen Kwock Chock opened Helena’s Hawaiian Foods in Kalihi in 1946. The restaurant has served traditional Hawaiian fare for more than half a century, and today, Chock’s legacy is carried on by her grandson Craig Katsuyoshi. Tucked into a somewhat industrial area of town, away from the Waikiki crowds, the restaurant's food and service are "no frills," making the establishment quite popular, especially with locals. Combination plates feature options such as kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon and squid luau, plus sides of haupia and poi or rice. The signature dish is pipikaula short ribs, a marinated, smoked beef that's usually fatty, but at Helena's the flavor is concentrated with the smoking process, almost to the point of being a beef jerky. It’s also one of the few places in the islands where you will find fresh opihi (limpet) with the exception of backyard luaus and graduation parties. Beverages are mostly limited to canned soft drinks. Keep in mind that the restaurant closes at 7:30 p.m. and does not accept credit cards.